External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, speaking at the Carnegie Global Tech Summit 2025, reflected on the dramatic shifts in global geopolitics, particularly in the technology and trade space, and linked Donald Trump’s ‘MAGA’ agenda directly to tech leadership.
“The US has fundamentally changed its approach to engaging with the world,” Jaishankar said, highlighting that technology now lies at the heart of America’s strategic ambitions. “It’s very clear that tech has a big role in making America great again. So, there is a connection between MAGA and tech which perhaps was not so clear between 2016 and 2020,” he added.
Jaishankar acknowledged that the US shift in outlook over the past year had broad consequences, especially in the tech domain, owing to its position as the largest economy and a global tech driver.
The Minister also drew attention to China’s continued evolution in the tech space, stating, “Even if not dramatic, China’s rise is unfolding steadily and impacting the global tech narrative.”
Touching upon Europe’s strained geopolitical positioning, Jaishankar remarked that five years ago, Europe enjoyed a balanced relationship with the US, Russia, and China, but now, “every side of that triangle is under stress.”
In a light-hearted yet pointed reference, Jaishankar said, “While we’re obviously here to talk about the ‘T’ word—technology, there’s another ‘T’ word—tariffs, that’s just as relevant.” He invited participants to reflect on the interplay between tech and trade in shaping today’s global realities.
The theme of the summit—“Sambhavna” (possibilities)—was, according to Jaishankar, aptly chosen, as it reflects how India views opportunities in a rapidly transforming world. “It is natural that when we speak about change and the ‘T’ word, we begin with the United States,” he noted.
The session closed with a broader call for international cooperation in the tech sector, underscoring India’s aspiration to be a bridge in the evolving global digital order.